Month: November 2010

Seattle might be the birthplace of grunge, but more recently it has been a haven for some of the finer folk-rock groups in the country. While Fleet Foxes may be the best of the bunch, The Cave Singers aren’t far behind. “Swim Club” is the first single off of their third album No Witch. Despite a a label change (Matador to Jagjaguwar), the new tune is delightfully reminiscent of their previous work; a sparse composition is filled with warm melodies, backwoods percussion, and lead singer Pete Quirk’s gravely (slightly grunge-tinged?) vocals. Download the new track below and grab a copy of the new album on February 22. Full tracklist after the jump.

Today’s TCT is dedicated to the über-talented Ellie Goulding. I’ve been sitting on these covers for awhile now, and I figure its about time to drop some British fem knowledge on your arses. Enjoy these top notch covers, and have a most wonderful Tuesday.

This Thanksgiving marked the first holiday I’ve ever spent alone…or meaningful holiday at least (sorry if I’ve offended you, National Crayon Day enthusiasts). While most people laughed with family over plates filled with the turkey-day essentials, I ate macaroni and cheese while listening to a playlist I prepared specially for a weekend I was not looking forward to.

How’d things turn out you ask? Actually, surprisingly well thanks (in part) to my “survival playlist.” I won’t post the entire thing here for time purposes, but check out the highlights below. And if you’re ever forced to spend a holiday all alone, don’t underestimate the power of a good playlist and big ass bowl of homemade mac ‘n cheese.

Perhaps The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have unresolved issues with getting dumped when they were 18. Maybe they are collectively suppressing a little emo child buried deep down inside of them (has anyone seen my black make-up)? Don’t fret though – despite their semi nauseating name – Pains only seek to daze their listeners with delightful pop music. Even as lead singer Kip Berman moans, “No matter what you pray / It’s never gonna take the pain away,” it’s hard not to bob your head along with the beat. Mixing angst with such happy and upbeat music has never sounded better.

Take a listen to Pains new single “Heart In your Heartbreak” below and pre-order the single here. This is a tasty treat to wet our appetites while we wait for Pains full length album, Belong, out in March via Slumberland.

Here’s a leak from the delayed Lost Tapes 2, which Nas addressed last month in his letter to Def Jam. The NY rapper accused his label of cutting corners on the sequel to his acclaimed 2000 compilation of unreleased material from Stillmatic and I Am…, but more recently has said that they are working things out. Lost Tapes 2 would be the prelude to his next major album release, scheduled for early 2011. I think this should be released similar to a mixtape, but there is no doubt that Nas deserves a little more creative freedom.

I never thought my favorite oddball folksinger would ever cover my favorite guilty pleasure, but I guess dreams do come true. More surprisingly, it seems the respect between these two is mutual. Will Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy) plays a police officer in R. Kelly’s infamous Trapped In The Closet videos.

Nothing says November like John Prine, and this cover proves it. After hearing his 80’s smooth rock stylings for Gayngs and “festival closing” hooks for Kayne, its nice to hear Justin Vernon getting back to his roots.

Ok, so this isn’t exactly new…but when it came on shuffle today at work I had to add it to today’s list. It must have been a sign from the Take Cover gods…and the last thing I want to do is upset the Take Cover gods.

Here’s a new track guaranteed to help you break through that 2:30 feeling. Aussie dance-pop kings Cut Copy deliver the first single, “Take Me Over,” from their highly anticipated third album Zonoscope. Purchase a copy of the new track here and look for Zonoscope on February 8 via Modular.